WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College football team returns to Richard L. Jantz Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3, as the Moundbuilders host Avila University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Southwestern enters the matchup with a 4-1 record and has won two straight since its lone loss of the season. The Builders defeated Ottawa University 30-14 before rolling past Bethany College 82-16 last Saturday in Lindsborg. Through five games, Southwestern is averaging 42.2 points and 505.8 yards of total offense per game while holding opponents to 15.6 points and 244.8 yards per contest.
The ground game has continued to drive the Southwestern offense, with the Builders averaging 294.2 rushing yards per game and scoring 21 rushing touchdowns. Christian Steward leads the attack with 621 yards and six touchdowns on 71 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt and 124.2 yards per game. Quarterback James Odom has added 223 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Odom has also thrown for 954 yards and seven touchdowns through five games. Bryce Chambers has been his leading target, hauling in 24 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns. Steward has added 10 catches for 131 yards and two scores, while Noah Roberts has eight receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
Southwestern's defense has been its anchor all season, limiting opponents to just 56.6 rushing yards per game and intercepting 11 passes while allowing only six passing touchdowns. Adrian Avelar leads the team with 31 tackles and two sacks, while Britt Wittschen has recorded 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Jackson Meadows leads the secondary with three interceptions, while Jason Wickliff has two.
Avila enters Saturday at 2-3 overall. Quarterback Joseph Vick has led the Eagles' passing attack, completing 55 of 88 passes for 754 yards and 10 touchdowns against five interceptions through five games.
The Eagles feature multiple threats on the ground. Patrick Anderson Jr. leads Avila with 346 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 77 carries, while Damian Dickenson has rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown. Vick has also contributed 165 rushing yards and one score.
Chrishawn Adams has provided the biggest downfield threat for Avila. Adams has caught 11 passes for 287 yards and five touchdowns in four appearances, averaging 26.1 yards per reception. Jamal Streeter has 119 receiving yards, while Javrin Singleton has 11 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Jamari Vaughn leads the Eagles with 37 total tackles. Braden Purifoy and Andreas Hampton have each recorded 29 tackles, with Purifoy also accounting for two interceptions.
Southwestern won last season's matchup 62-0 in Kansas City, Mo, the most they have scored against Avila since 2018. The Builders have not lost to Avila since 2020, and have won by an average margin of 20 points in the last five years.
Saturday's game will be Southwestern's third home contest of the season. Kickoff between the Moundbuilders and Eagles is set for 1 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium in Winfield, Kan.
